Essay Contest: "What Israel Means to Me"

The top five entries, in honor of the 56th anniversary of the State of Israel.

Israel is much more than a tiny piece of land in the Middle East. She is living proof that the Jewish people have survived, against all odds, and will continue to survive -- and thrive.

Israel's citizens live in a constant state of the unknown. They don't know when or where the next terrorist attack will occur. They don't know which countries, Arab and other, will turn against them in the court of world opinion. They don't know how their economy will fare, thanks to the intifada. But they do know that they will continue to live their lives with some semblance of normalcy. They do know that, unlike many of their Palestinian counterparts, they will continue to cherish life. They are an inspiration to me.

Many of the world's most advanced technological and health care innovations originated in Israel. For a country the size of New Jersey, this is nothing short of remarkable. I kvell every time I hear of another Israeli breakthrough.

As a Hadassah volunteer, I also am particularly proud of the fact that Hadassah hospitals treat everyone alike – would-be suicide bombers, terrorist victims, innocent bystanders and heroes. Walk down the hospital hallways and you'll see kippot alongside keffiyahs and crosses.

I do know that, regardless of politics, I support Israel. I am a Zionist, and that transcends party lines. Likud, Labor, right, left, religious, secular… it's of no consequence to me. The only thing that matters is Israel's existence.

To me, Israel is a gem in the midst of a turbulent region. She's perhaps a little rough around the edges, but it's nothing a little polishing can't fix.

Israel feeds my spirit and my soul. She is an intoxicating mélange of sights, smells, tastes, sounds. From the rosy Jerusalem stone to the buoyant Dead Sea to the mouth-watering falafel stands, Israel awakens my senses. She is filled with irony, as a Shabbat melody is pierced by the wails of sirens… followed by the wails of the terrorists' latest targets and then, a deafening silence.

I may live in the Diaspora, but Israel is in my heart. I think of Israel constantly. I think of her when I check my emails daily for updates on the intifada. I think of Israel at bedtime, when my youngest son prays for peace. I think of Israel when I hold look at the walls of my home, covered with the creations of Israeli artists. Or when I put on a piece of jewelry crafted by Israeli artisans. I think of Israel every time I glance at my hand, which bears a ring carved with my Hebrew name – a ring I never remove.

Just as I dare not remove the ring from my finger, I cannot remove Israel from my being. I am Israel. She is me. We are one. When all else in the world seems dark and hopeless, Israel is my beacon of hope. Am Yisrael Chai.

* * *

What Israel Means to Me

by Moshe Teutsch, age 8

Israel means going to the Kotel and praying for the sick people of Israel.

Israel means growing the special seven species (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates) in our garden. (But we don't have them all yet…)

Israel means living in the land that God promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

* * *

What Israel Means to Me

by Sarah Rosenblum

"Where did Abraham almost sacrifice his son Isaac? Where did David fight Goliath? Where did Jacob dream of the angels going up and down the ladder? Where did Lot turn to a pillar of salt? Where was Moses leading the children of Israel to, the place they called the land of milk and honey?" my mother used to say. "It is in the land of Israel.”

I loved hearing these bedtime stories as I fell asleep. Wow! What a place that must be. I will go there one day!

I was born in Scandinavia one year after the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Ten years later we were on the ship heading south as new immigrants to live in Australia. Sailing through the Suez Canal one could see Egypt on the right side with its funny-looking trees (palm trees!) and the strange mud brick buildings we had never seen before.

But I stayed on the left side of the ship staring toward the dry, sandy desert, asking my mother, “How far from here is Israel? Why do we have to go to Australia? Why can't we live in Israel?”

"Because we're not Jewish!" my mother answered.

Living in Queensland, Australia, when the 1967 war broke out, I was glued to the radio. If only I had enough money I would go to Israel and fight for the Jewish people! But those young years were full of other distractions and it wasn't till many years later, in 1982, that I set foot for the first time on the Israeli soil. By then I had traveled all around the world and I thought this was to be just another mark on the map for me. But I was wrong. It wasn't a mark on the map, but a mark on my soul. All I knew was that I would be back one day. Israel is where I felt I belonged, with these people, all strangers, but I felt a part of them.

In October 2003, I again stepped onto the holy soil, this time as a Jew, with my husband and son. We had made aliyah!

Compared to where we came from, life here is hard. But we feel at peace here, and truly feel that we have come home, after a very loooooong trip. Australia seems so far away and such a long time ago. Life has purpose here in Israel. My very soul and spirit comes alive. Life has meaning. We have no relatives living here, but we do not feel alone, for we are amongst our people, the family of Israel… in the Land of Israel… my home.

* * *

What Israel Means to Me

by Carolyn Dow
Wilkeson, Washington, USA

Israel is the home of my heart.

The song of my spirit

Eden's garden

A wandering place, Abraham's dream of delight

Soft air

Hiddenness

The Wall at night

Yeshiva boys playing in the narrow, ancient streets

Old Russian women begging for mercy and alms

The blessing of rabbis and soldiers and airport workers on the tourists who come anyway

Handsome soldiers with weapons slung the way I carry my handbag.

The slightly rundown hotels, scrimping on everything but hospitality and food, waiting for tourism to pick up.

Camels and donkeys, Gecko lizards and rocks, the Jordan River, the Galilee, and peppers growing on trees.

The best mango I've ever tasted, treading on dates, so much beauty and variety crammed into so small a space.

When may I come back to you, home of my heart, delight of my eyes, song of my spirit?

* * *

What Israel Means to Me

by Chaya B. Halle

Israel. Its magnetic pull tugs at the Jew's soul in an inexplicable appeal. From all corners of the world, Jews come, like migrant birds returning to the place of their birth, guided only by some God-given internal instinct. An instinct to see, to touch, to live the place that bridges past, present and future in a mysterious, unbreakable chain.

What is it here that cries to the soul, so loudly and strongly that its echo remains even far beyond Israel's boundaries? We no longer have the pride of our nation, the Holy Temple. We are left with but remains of a glorious past, in truth, reminders that we are a nation that has fallen from the greatest heights. We do have pain here. Pain that has been given so many terms and analyses as if to dismiss the suffering as a mere political shuffle. But obstinate labels and expressions cannot change the reality of terror.

So why do we come? A dazzling selection of Jews from across the spectrum of culture and religious affiliation form the great rubik's cube which is the Jews of Israel. From the chassid to the Ethiopian, from those deeply involved in Torah study and those who barely know what Torah is, they all come. They come, they love, and they stay. From whence comes the yearning that settles in the soul and does not let a Jew forget Israel?

I ponder the question, standing on my rooftop that overlooks the winding roads of Jerusalem. There is something here, something that cannot be heard or touched, but is somehow absorbed. It seeps in through the pores of the skin and spreads throughout the body. For thousands of generations Jews have known that our destiny lies in the Holy Land. Israel's pull is one toward the future. It's a hope in the air that great things lie ahead for the Jewish nation, and it's going to happen here. I can picture in my mind's eye these very streets, thronging with Jews singing and dancing, rejoicing in the redemption of our nation.

Jerusalem is waiting longingly for her glory to return. God, we're here and we're waiting.

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Visitor Comments: 26

(26)
sarit hadad,
April 30, 2006 12:00 AM

i love israel because the humus

the humus is a israely simbel.
the humus is very taisty for me, special with pita and picaels.
i love harife too, special shug and arisa.
the nutional israely food is falafel and in the falafel hes to much oil, but this no disterv at all.
allso i love chinis food and specialy nudels and vegtebels like cerut and gamba.
thats it for now
love you s.h

(25)
Reizl Fink,
March 7, 2006 12:00 AM

Encompasses all that I feel for Eretz Yisrael

The essays are magnificent!
They go to the heart of the Jewish soul.

(24)
Anonymous,
July 28, 2004 12:00 AM

one word answer, yet powerful age 12

EVERYTHING!

(23)
atara,
May 3, 2004 12:00 AM

atara 13 israel, jerusalem

i just made aliya and i know what isael means to me it means to live free as a proud jew to show the world israel is ours! israel is our land and its gorgues!!! ive never seen such wonderfull land in my life! so i say this as a proud jew im proud to live in israel somewere where no one can kick you out its your land its our forever no one can say we dont belong! we want to be in our land hashems giving us all singhs but u have to take them and stop pushing them away! come back to eratz isroel!

(22)
Yehonaton ben Danyael haLevi,
May 2, 2004 12:00 AM

What Israel means to me?

Israel means that I am free to live as a Jew, regardless of where I am in the world. Israel means that I can live as a Jew, anywhere in the world. Israel means that as a Jew I have a place to be a Jew when everywhere else I am told that I cannot... Israel means that there is a G_d, regardless if you or anyone else wants to accept the idea as fact. It simply means that there is truth, objective truth, not because you, me, or anyone else thinks its true, yet simply because it is, and yet that means you do not have to like or agree with the fact that Israel means all this and so much more. Toddah/Thanks.

(21)
Rosita Fink,
May 2, 2004 12:00 AM

Deliriously happy in Jerusalem

Chaya B. Halle
expressed very much what I feel.
As I was leaving Israel in 1992 after a visit with a relative, I heard the land
call to me. "Come, stay, you belong here."

In 1995 my husband and I made Aliya.
All our children and grandchildren are
still in America.

I am delirously happy here and thank G-d
daily for allowing me to live here
and daily I pray that he send my children on Aliya and join us in this
very holy land Binheira B'yameinu

(20)
Alex Talkar,
April 29, 2004 12:00 AM

Ameth (Truth)

Although I do not live in Israel but all these five entries in honor of the 56th Anniversary of the State Of Israel has touched my soul.Being a proud Jew I too have the same feelings to share as beautifully expressed in these entries.
I dawn when I hear cherping sound of birds my heart weeps for Isreal. I pray for forgiveness of our community, I pray for Peace, speedy recovery of the injured, Safety, Guidance, Strength, Prosperity, Spiritually uplift of Isreal.

(19)
k,
April 27, 2004 12:00 AM

Isreal means THE BEST COUNTRY EVER!!!!!

(18)
Markoosie Patsauq,
April 27, 2004 12:00 AM

The land is written in my soul.

I can't see the world without Israel and its people. You are indeed a living light to all nation. Hope starts at the gate of Jerusalem, the eternal city of God.

(17)
Gershom May,
April 27, 2004 12:00 AM

Yes, You can get here from there.

Excuse my awe, when I realize that Hashem reaches into even the remote corners to bring light.

I was born in Wa. St. and lived there many years off an on, before we made Aliyah.
So, I was absolutely awed to see such a wonderful essay on Israel from Wilkeson, Wa. U.S. A., by Carolyn Dow.

To appreciate her essay even more.
You need to know that it is a very small, almost remote community tucked away in the hills.

You really have to know how to get there, and, it's almost as if you blink. You passed it.

I would not have been sure you can get here from there.

But, her essay is testimony to the fact -- yes you can get here from there.

Gershom May

(16)
Jeannette Winters,
April 27, 2004 12:00 AM

What Israel means to me

From the prophet Isaiah comes this word. "I have set watchmen upon they walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, and give HIM no rest, till HE establish, and till HE make Jerusalem a praise in the earth." I am praying and waiting for MESSIAH to come and establish HIS Kingdom in Jerusalem.

(15)
David S. Levine,
April 27, 2004 12:00 AM

Re: Mrs. Rosenblum

Sarah Rosenblum's comment brought tears to my eyes. That someone from such a background so remote to us would want to join us in the fullest sense of the word makes me feel very proud indeed, although I've done nothing to warrent such an honor. Because of Mrs. Rosenblum I will strive to be a better Jew. Thank you Sarah Rosenblum!

(14)
sjhepner,
April 27, 2004 12:00 AM

Happy birthday, Israel...!!!!

Happy 56 th birtday, dear Israel, and many happy returns.... may you go from strength to strength... p.s. I was born 15 days before your re-birth in 1948... so besides being a member of your tribes.... I think that I am on your timeline.... of rebirth and regeneration... if not 15 days early!!!!!

(13)
payam Miskopey,
April 26, 2004 12:00 AM

Israel means perseverance and victory

Israel means perseverance, Israel means hope, Israel means the only place where a God believing person can visit and not feel like a tourist, Israel means the dream of the kids who had no place to live after seeing the slaughters of the holocaust, Israel means the awakening of what was forgotten for two thousand years. Israel means dignity, Israel means keeping your head up and being proud of having a piece of land that belongs to you. Israel means the blood and souls of the six million Jews who died just few years before reclaiming their land. Israel means survival over the Romans, the Nazis, the Persians, the Greeks and the other so called never ending societies who conquered the Jewish land and are nowhere to be found today. The JEWISH STATE OF ISRAEL means the only true democracy in the middle east.
Payam Miskopey

(12)
Anonymous,
April 26, 2004 12:00 AM

It means the world to all Jews.

I was born in Poland and each time while shopping in a small town called Przysucha, my mom always found time to go and touch the wall of a still standing synagogue there. I once asked why she does it, my mom said that it is the closest thing to being at the western wall in Jerusalem which she will never do. Each time I go visit Jerusalem, I do it for her and for me and it is possible only because the Kotel is in Israel.

(11)
Michelle Abukasis,
April 26, 2004 12:00 AM

Happy Birth Day Israel!

I love what everyone wrote what Israel means to "me"-them. To me, its an atmous place for Jews everywere. You don't have to 'hide' your Jewishness.You can feel a spritial/emitional connection regardless of your observance. am Israel Chai

(10)
Anonymous,
April 26, 2004 12:00 AM

What Israel Means to ME...

Israel is 25 hours away,
But for me not even a second

For Israel many people fight,
But I fight from the inside

Israel is just a place,
But for me it is more than a base

In Israel evereyone is different,
But everybody eventually is the same

Israel Is gold,
It is our soul

Israel is part of me...
Israel is me...
And in Israel I want to be...

(9)
Emily,
April 25, 2004 12:00 AM

Israel...happy 65th b-day to the country I love the most

I love Israel beyond words..and I loved all the essays. May Israel live on! :)

(8)
Eli Lasch,
April 25, 2004 12:00 AM

What israel means to me

As somebody who fought in 1948:

Israel is the only country in the world where a Jew can proclaim proudly: I am a Jew.
Israel is the only country in the world where after 2000 years Jews can defend themselves.
Israel is the only country in the world where Jews are truly independent
Israel is the crazy place where you always belong. Even if you live in the diaspora,if you have lived in Israel you stay Israeli
Eli lasch

(7)
Subhashis Das Gupta,
April 25, 2004 12:00 AM

Congratulations

Heartiest congratulations to the country and the people I adore on its 56th birthday . To me Israel is a way of inspirational life , a class of people who belive that humanity is children of God , not a moment to be wasted , while one hand is held in action ,the other hand is bent in prayer towards God - humility and excellence hand in hand . May aish.com and the 48 winning ways continue to inspire me in Calcutta , India and many such fortunate people who have come across this site all over the globe . Long live ISRAEL !

(6)
Marcos A. De Barros,
April 25, 2004 12:00 AM

LONG LIVE ISRAEL!

As a b'nai Noach myself I positively count myself among those who positively support Israel. Times may be rough once more for Israel, but perhaps never as before may Israel count on as many righteous gentiles as in the present day. Israel's struggle is our struggle.Long Live Israel!

(5)
marilynleiman,
April 25, 2004 12:00 AM

wonderful essays expressing everything i feel about israel.

what wonderful essays. they express everything i feel especially since i just came back to the u.s.a from the aratz where i celebrated pesach with my wonderful family in yerushalayim, my true home.

(4)
Amit Jhala, Ph.D. Scholar from India,
April 25, 2004 12:00 AM

Israel my Love

First of all let me give congratulate the staff of www.aish.com for your Indepandence Day.I am really impressed with the each and every articles put on your website, infact i am getting it by e-mail and I came to know about your festivals and current news of Israel. I am planinga to come visit Israel in next year, if I will come i am sure I will personally come to ofice of aish.com

I also like the Passovar film made by you people, I also foreward it to my friends in Israel...

Once again Thanks...

(3)
Yered Sturgill,
April 24, 2004 12:00 AM

I love Torah sights, and Torah people

I am a ger that wanted to thank the creaters and maintainers of this sight for putting forth a beautiful Torah sight, so full of inspiration and hope for all the world. I have recently become Torah observant and Have a great affection for Yisrael and its people. Thanks again for putting all this info. out to the world. You are truly a light to the nations your wisdom is attracting those around you. May HaShem bless you as he has blessed me.

Congratulations to Israel on it's 56th Birthday. The land and it's people however are not fully self-actualized as at this time in human history. Bizrat Hashem in the not-too-distant future, with the presence of Moshiach in the Holy Land the place will really unfold it's true potential.